Finally, the cat is out of the bag. In the backdrop of confusion who asked the PEMRA to impose media ban on the activities of Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) and its affiliated outfits – Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF), it was amazing to see how prompt Interior Ministry was to distance itself from such a ban. Apparently, it was the Information Ministry who issued these orders while citing UN Resolution-1267 and PM’s commitment to American President during his recent Washington visit. Let’s wait how long it takes even Information Ministry to back track from this ban.
But what’s the point in permitting these outfits to operate at free will but suspending the media coverage? Yes, there is a point. media coverage may prompt outside world to raise questions on Pakistan’s commitment. But if someone thinks that by merely banning media coverage, people can be fooled, sadly he/she is mistaken. JuD/FIF have been given free hand to operate in quake hit areas. It doesn’t matter if there is media coverage or not, they are penetrating wherever possible to have sympathisers for their cause. But most amazing was JuD spokesman’s response on this ban who said that the UN Resolution-1267 imposed certain restrictions on four of its leaders namely, travel ban, personal accounts sealed and no access to weapons, but there was no ban on free speech or media coverage. Was this Security Council’s duty to tell Pakistan not to give VIP treatment to these leaders and media coverage under the disguise of free speech? It’s true that most uncommon sense among our leaders is the common sense.
MASOOD KHAN
Jubail, Saudi Arabia
